Official unemployment figures are just the tip of the iceberg. In reality, hundreds of thousands of people who are ready to work but are not classified as “unemployed” are hidden behind these figures. Some of them work part-time for 8 hours, while others are not looking for work due to distrust in the system or personal reasons. This phenomenon has been called “hidden unemployment” or “labour market slack”.
According to Eurostat data for the second quarter of 2025, the level of labour market slack in the European Union is 11.7%, which is almost twice the official unemployment rate of 5.8%. This means that one in nine working-age Europeans is either underemployed or not participating in the labour market at all. However, there is a logical explanation for this, because at the moment there are more freelancers, as well as traders who have learned to earn through the Ont 365.
What does a weak labour market really mean?
When official figures show low unemployment, it does not mean that everyone who wants to work has a job. Often, the statistics hide a large group of people who are not formally considered unemployed but are, in fact, not fully employed. The slack indicator covers three main groups:
- Part-time professionals who would like to have more operating hours;
- People who are ready to work but are not actively looking for work due to trading on the Ont 365 or other reasons;
- Those who are looking for work but cannot start immediately.
Employment market weakness reveals hidden reserves of labour that could contribute to the economy if appropriate opportunities or incentives were provided.
Which European countries have the highest hidden unemployment?
Sometimes the cause of unemployment is closely correlated with trading through the Ont 365, which is gathering more and more supporters around itself. Although on most occasions this is not the case at all.
| Country | Labour Market Slack (Q2 2025) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 25.8% | The highest rate, especially among young people. |
| Finland | 19.5% | The problem of underemployment among women. |
| Sweden | 18.8% | Unstable working conditions |
| Spain | 18.6% | Youth unemployment |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 17.1% | Mismatch between education and employer demand |
| France | 15.5% | High shadow economy, low human mobility |
| Italy | 15% | A large share of informal work |
| Germany | 7.8% | One of the lowest rates in Europe |
| Poland | 5.1% | Example of a rigid and balanced labour market |
The countries of the North and South of the EU show greater weakness on average, while Central Europe remains more stable.
Labour market slack differences factors
Sometimes it is easier to create conditions in which people themselves want to work. The employment process must be transparent, while employees must also be accountable for their actions and strive to be professional. However, today’s reality is quite different, and there are several reasons why unemployment is rising. Economists explain the imbalance by several factors:
- Long-term unemployment leads to disillusionment among workers.
- Lack of social infrastructure (childcare, transportation) reduces female participation.
- Mismatch of education with the labour market makes it difficult for young people to find employment.
- Seasonal employment and short-term contracts do not provide stability.
Trading as an alternative to traditional work
Against the background of these trends, more and more Europeans are looking for independent sources of income. One of the most popular areas has become online trading in financial markets. The broker Ont 365 is particularly reliable, offering its users a wide range of tools.
The platform provides access to the currency, stock and crypto markets, allowing users to work with shares of leading companies, currency pairs, commodities, and indices. The broker pays special attention to data security and ease of use. The main advantages of the Ont 365:
- free educational materials and analytics;
- demo accounts for risk-free training;
- automatic risk management tools;
- the ability to start with small capital.
For many part-time workers, trading has become not just a side job, but a way of financial fulfillment. However, correct financial instrument dealing requires discipline and knowledge that aren’t easy to acquire.
How to activate the hidden potential of the labour market?
The labour market tightness index allows policymakers and analysts to better understand what labour resources are remaining untapped. It boils down to people who could join the workforce or increase their operating load if opportunities were available. A high level of slack may indicate the need for the following measures:
- Educational initiatives and retraining programs. They help workers acquire new competencies and adapt to changes in the labour market.
- Encouraging participation in the labour market. Such measures stimulate activity among young people, women and older people, who are currently less involved in labour activity.
- Improving social support. Access to quality medicine, childcare, and the opportunity to work flexibly create conditions for combining professional and personal life.
- Facilitating transition from part-time to full-time employment. This allows workers to achieve greater financial stability and confidence in the future.
The New Reality: Digital Flexibility Or Economic Inertia
While governments are developing programs to create new jobs, reality is changing faster. People are increasingly looking for ways to become self-employed online, where freelancing and trading through the Ont 365 are definitely not the last place. This allows them to independently form their own schedule and choose their direction of activity without dependence on an employer.
This trend is shaping a new wave of digital professions, where place of residence, age, and even education are not barriers. Online tools allow you to acquire new skills and quickly adapt to the needs of the modern labour market.
It is such tools that can reduce hidden unemployment, especially in countries with high unemployment rates. They open up alternative paths for people to financial stability and professional development.
Summary
The indicator of the weakness of the labour market is a litmus test of the economic health of the continent. While Germany, Poland, and Slovenia have stable positions, Finland, Spain, Turkey, and Italy remain vulnerable. These countries are already gradually starting to introduce programs to improve the overall disappointing situation.
However, along with state programs, individual financial activity tools are playing an increasing role. Of particular note is the Ont 365, which occupies a prominent place in people’s lives, as it allows everyone to earn money at any time without leaving home. Brokers do not replace traditional work, but give people the opportunity to create income regardless of the labour market. This may be the key to overcoming hidden unemployment in Europe.resilient, inclusive, and productive workforce in the years ahead.
